Srikakuleswara Swamy Temple

Significance
Srikakulam has a rich history and is the first capital of the Andhra Kingdom. The ancient Srikakuleswara Swamy temple is located on the banks of River Krishna and is considered to be the 57th of 108 Divya Desams, holiest of shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, by Vasihnavaites. The temple has a rich cultural and historical legacy and is one of the oldest temples in the south. Great poets like Srinatha Kavi Sarvabhoumudu, Kasuala Purushottama and Narayanatheertha, the composer of Sri Krishna Leela Tharangini praised the temple in their works. The temple is located in the mandal of Ghantasala, which is a popular Buddhist center. The temple attracts huge crowds each year as the Lord is considered to be very generous in fulfilling the wishes of his ardent devotees. The temple has been referred to in many ancient texts and according to Hindu mythology, Srikakulam is the center of earth and the supreme Lord manifested himself as Andhra Maha Vishnu at this village. According to Adarvana Upanishad, Andhra is Lord Vishnu's favorite and hence the Lord here is worshipped as Andhra Maha Vishnu,
Andhra Nayakudu, Andhra Vallabhudu, Telugu Vallabhudu and Siri Kakula Nathudu. The Lord's idol is believed to be Swayambhu or naturally formed. The temple complex is set against a beautiful backdrop of coconut trees, which have a soothing effect on the mind. A majestic 60 ft. high Rajagopuram represents the entrance to the shrine. The inner complex is home to the shrines of Lord Srikakuleswara Swamy, Goddess Rajya Lakshmi to the south of the main shrine and Lord Chenna Kesava Swamy to the north. A beautiful Sabhamantapam leads to the inner shrine, which in turn leads to the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Srikakuleswara Swamy. The Sabhamantapam is also home to the images of Goddess BhagyaLakshmi and Lord Hanuman. The Chenna Kesava Swamy temple houses in addition to the image of Lord Chenna Kesava Swamy in the Sanctum, the images of Lord Narasimha Swamy, Lord Rama and images of various Gods from the Hindu Pantheon. Another interesting feature in the complex is the ever-burning Agni Gundam, which is taken great care of by the priests.

History
The temple can be dated back to the period of the great Tamil Saints, the Azhwars of the first millennium CE. Records indicate that the temple was under the patronage of the Kakatiyas in the tenth century CE. King Ananta Dandapala of the Chola dynasty erected the towering Raja Gopuram in 1081 CE. The great Sri Krishna Deva Raya of the famed Vijayanagar Dynasty has a close association with temple. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and records indicate that he rested at this temple while on his way to defeat the Kalingas. The Emperor's immortal work Aamukta Malyada praising Lord Vishnu was written at this temple in 1519 CE. He made significant contributions to the temple. In 1992 CE, the temple was rebuilt in the exact design as the one earlier but at a height of 10 feet higher than its predecessor was. This was done to prevent flooding in the rainy season, as the earlier temple was low-lying.

Legends
Legend has it that Lord Brahma used to live in an Ashram here on the banks of River Krishna. He underwent a penance for Lord Vishnu. When the Lord appeared, Lord Brahma asked Lord Vishnu to make the place his abode so that he can worship him daily. Lord Vishnu agreed to this and resided here ever since. This led to the name of the place Sri (Lord Vishnu), Ka (LordBrahma), Aakulam (place of residence) Srikakulam. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu appeared in the dream of the great Sri Krishna Deva Raya during his stay here and asked him to compose a work on him. The King was delighted to receive orders from the Supreme Lord Himself
and composed the immortal work Vishnu Chitteeyamane, known popularly as Aamukta Malyada.

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